By: 7:30 am on May 2 New renderings have been released for Allen, a 28-story residential tower at 247 North Avenue in Downtown New Rochelle along with 2,000 square feet of retail and 257 parking spaces Designed by Studio V and developed by LCOR the project will feature one of New York State’s largest geothermal energy systems Allen marks LCOR’s second geothermal project in New York and precedes their upcoming Hoboken Connect development in New Jersey Residences are offered in studio to two-bedrooms layouts and include 12 penthouse units with private outdoor space Transit near Allen includes the Metro-North New Rochelle station which offers a 30-minute ride to Grand Central Terminal with future direct service to Penn Station planned by 2027 “The design for Allen was inspired by New Rochelle’s rich history and natural surroundings,” said Karen Asprea classic palette to create spaces that feel elevated but also deeply personal Subscribe to YIMBY’s daily e-mail Follow YIMBYgram for real-time photo updates Like YIMBY on Facebook Follow YIMBY’s Twitter for the latest in YIMBYnews Just as hideous as the surrounding buildings ga('send', 'event', 'beautyofblock', 'Impression', 'https://newyorkyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Standard_336x280-100-2.jpg', { nonInteraction: true }); ADVERTISEMENT ga('send', 'event', 'PCRichards Builders Division', 'Impression', 'https://newyorkyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/PCR_Beko_Compact_YIMB_336x280.jpg', { nonInteraction: true }); ga('send', 'event', 'yimby+', 'Impression', 'https://newyorkyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image.png', { nonInteraction: true }); Follow on Instagram var sb_instagram_js_options = {"font_method":"svg","placeholder":"https:\/\/newyorkyimby.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/instagram-feed\/img\/placeholder.png","resized_url":"https:\/\/newyorkyimby.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sb-instagram-feed-images\/","ajax_url":"https:\/\/newyorkyimby.com\/wp-admin\/admin-ajax.php"}; © COPYRIGHT New York YIMBY® LLC YIMBY IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF NIKOLAI FEDAK / NEW YORK YIMBY LLC A group of first and third grade students took part in a scientific nature exploration outside Jefferson Elementary School in New Rochelle on a recent spring day Students observed their surroundings during a nature scavenger hunt as they searched for flora and fauna “Having everyone go outdoors is a strong reminder that learning does happen everywhere," said third grade teacher Aimee Ferguson “It doesn't have to happen in one space such as a classroom.” students gathered around on the grass in a circle and spoke about the birds they saw and the data they collected “I think it's a good way of learning because it's peaceful out here You can actually like pay attention to things like birds flying,” said third-grader Juan Andres Barajas Ferguson said she hopes students continue to build their understanding of science “The goal is to grow these scientists so they're ready for the next day and way beyond in the future,” she said Photos: See New Rochelle H.S. seniors celebrating National Decision Day More: Explore programs available at the New Rochelle Public Library with no two days and no two schools exactly alike our photographers find what makes our school days anything but ordinary the people and programs and events that make a difference Check back to lohud.com for our lohud in our schools feature each Monday 2025) — Capital Preparatory Charter Schools will not open a new charter school in New Rochelle for the 2025-2026 school year the City School District of New Rochelle announced The charter school had initially planned to enroll students in kindergarten “Capital Preparatory New Rochelle Charter School will be taking a planning year for 2025-2026 and will open for the 2026-2027 school year,” Mr informed the district’s Assistant Superintendent for Business The delay allows the district to reallocate $1.2 million of the $1.9 million originally set aside for charter school funding The remaining $700,000 will be reserved for future budget needs related to potential charter school enrollment The district noted that state funding of over $19,000 per student would have been transferred for any resident attending a charter school While the news eases immediate budget concerns the district anticipates challenges for the 2026-2027 school year if Capital Prep opens and expands to additional grades A public hearing on the proposed 2025-2026 budget is scheduled for Tuesday Young Auditorium at New Rochelle High School moved from the library to accommodate students’ needs He did not explain why he did not restore any positions and set aside an additional $1.900,000 reserved for future budget needs related to potential charter school enrollment He also did not explain why he did not use all the money to restore 11 positions taxpayers and FUSE Leadership will likely want a coherent explanation The school district and public library budget votes along with elections for two Board of Education members and one New Rochelle Public Library Trustee This article was drafted with the aid of Grok under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards 2025) — A once-cherished home in New Rochelle dubbed the “Swiss Cheese House” for its hole-riddled stucco exterior has become a neighborhood blight and the center of a six-year legal saga frustrating residents and city officials alike built before 1912 by Louis Richard Smith and Alice Matthews was a generational treasure for their family New Jersey resident and great-granddaughter of the original owners “The house was built by my great-grandparents,” Mann said The house has been a source of fascination for me for years.” Located at a residential intersection surrounded by million-dollar homes the property was purchased in 2006 by Laura Fields the home’s condition deteriorated after the city mandated extensive asbestos removal in 2019 leaving the exterior pockmarked and earning its “Swiss Cheese” nickname and unsecured windows pose ongoing safety concerns noting small children play just feet away and that animals or squatters could easily enter through exposed windows One neighbor’s complaint prompted the city to offer inspections and secure the property Despite a new roof installed in December 2023 notices dating back to 2020 declaring the house “Unsafe” remain posted on the front door The legal battle intensified in April 2024 when a mortgage foreclosure action was marked “discontinued without prejudice” by the Westchester County Supreme Court indicating a loan modification agreement between Fields and the lender “The parties — the owner and the bank — cut a deal to modify the debt owed to the lender as well as the terms of the repayment,” said Steven G Residents have pushed for the house to be condemned and demolished said the structure “was not deemed unstable” years ago Vacca confirmed the property will be inspected again but noted Fields remains in litigation and the house has not been sold The “Swiss Cheese House” continues to stand a stark contrast to its historic roots and the upscale neighborhood surrounding it as neighbors await resolution in a saga that shows no immediate end Unsafe ‘Swiss Cheese House’ in New Rochelle: 5-year Neighborhood Fight Continues leaving behind a legacy of community service and Smith passed away at his home at 1 Boulevard after a year of heart ailment according to a New York Times obituary published at the time Smith attended Ramsgate School before immigrating to the United States in 1886 Smith became president of the Central National Bank of New Rochelle in 1933 and continued in that role for three years having previously served as vice president after the bank’s consolidation with the First National of New Rochelle in 1944 He was a director at the bank at the time of his death Smith was associated with the Class Journal Company from 1903 to 1928 published automotive trade magazines such as Motor Age and the secretary of the company when he retired Smith was also an early amateur automobile race driver in the East and later officiated at auto races on Daytona Beach He served as a director of the American Red Cross and was a former vice president of the Community Chest Smith’s civic contributions were extensive During the infantile paralysis epidemic of 1916 he was a commissioner of public health in New Rochelle He also served as chairman of the New Rochelle Transit Commission president and chairman of the Chamber of Commerce former treasurer of the New Rochelle Home Building Plan Corporation and chairman of the New Rochelle Better House Committee he was the former president of the New Rochelle Humane Society and a director of the Huguenot Y.M.C.A Smith was also secretary of the Wykagyl Country Club a member of the New Rochelle chairman of the State Emergency Fund and worked to provide recreation centers for Army posts based on material written by Joyce Newman under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards Downtown New Rochelle is undergoing a remarkable transformation and at its heart rises Allen—a striking new residential tower that redefines modern urban living through thoughtful architecture and design the 28-story building is more than a new addition to the skyline; it’s a bold design statement marrying sustainability with timeless elegance Anchored by one of New York State’s largest geothermal heating and cooling systems Allen exemplifies the future of sustainable living But while its infrastructure champions eco-conscious innovation it’s the interiors—crafted with a deep sensitivity to warmth and the rhythms of daily life—that truly set Allen apart The design narrative begins with Allen’s commanding silhouette Its modern form is softened by sculptural curves and expansive terraces that blur the boundaries between inside and out The building’s base is clad in slate Roman brick a subtle tribute to New Rochelle’s architectural legacy grounding the tower in the city’s history while projecting its future has brought to life a sophisticated interior experience rooted in what she calls “earthy elegance.” From the moment residents enter the lobby they are enveloped in the ambiance of a boutique hotel: rich smoked walnut wall coverings and artful lighting create an immediate sense of calm and refinement including 31 affordable units—range from studios to expansive two-bedroom penthouses and finishes selected to balance luxury with livability elevate the experience with floor-to-ceiling glass and elevated materials that evoke both comfort and sophistication Amenities throughout the building echo the same design ethos: club-inspired and curated to enhance daily life Residents will enjoy an expansive fitness center with a yoga studio and a penthouse sky lounge with sweeping views of Manhattan and Long Island Sound Even practical touches—like bike storage and a pet spa—are executed with intention and style “Every detail was chosen to reflect New Rochelle’s natural surroundings and storied past,” says Asprea “We wanted Allen to feel both elevated and deeply personal—a true home with warmth Located just two blocks from the Metro-North station and steps from local dining Allen offers a unique blend of city connectivity and neighborhood charm The building’s sustainable backbone—powered by geothermal energy and 100% electric systems—further underscores LCOR’s commitment to building communities that are as responsible as they are refined Allen stands poised to become a new design landmark—where architectural ambition and interior serenity come together in perfect balance For more information, visit www.liveallen.com Asprea Studio is one of the exclusive interior design studios representing the Coral Gables, FL market as a member of the Haute Design Network. View all of their projects here. The Cappelli Organization and its subsidiaries are prominent leaders in real estate development and construction in the Northeast with a 45-year track record of proven excellence we bring a unique and well-rounded perspective to every project we oversee Real Estate Irvestment / Development Management / Construction Management This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access. and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" CNN (CNN) — Former Vice President Mike Pence said Sunday while receiving the John F Fairfield Residential and commercial properties sold in Fairfield County municipalities for more than $1.. Trending Westchester 2025) — The City of New Rochelle is accepting bids for the Quaker Ridge Road Concrete Pavement Rehabilitation Project to repair deteriorating concrete pavement between Van Meter Fens and Weaver Street It has nothing to do with the $3,518,638 grant from New York State for Quaker Ridge Road “Complete Streets” improvements Whatever Happened to the Quaker Ridge Road Rebuild? Sources at City Hall say that the city lacks funds for the Complete Streets project much like the many abandoned David’s Island plan and the city yard relocation The project involves full-depth and partial-depth concrete repairs including Portland Cement Treated Permeable Base unreinforced and reinforced Portland Cement Concrete placement and partial-depth repairs using materials like Class D concrete Work will be conducted in two stages with lane closures maintaining at least one lane open in each direction The contractor must complete the work within 60 consecutive calendar days with liquidated damages of $500 per day for delays to ensure completion before the local school year starts Each bid requires a deposit of 5% of the bid price via money order Questions should be emailed to kconca@newrochelleny.com with answers posted on the city’s website by May 21 at http://www.newrochelleny.com/bids.aspx or directly at https://newrochelleny.com/DocumentCenter/View/20704 The city encourages bids from Minority and Women Business Enterprises (MBE/WBE) and prioritizes employment of New Rochelle residents per Westchester Affirmative Action Equal Employment Opportunity requirements Contractors must pay the higher of New York State prevailing wage rates or Davis Bacon rates The city may award multiple contracts for 2025 citywide paving projects based on the lowest responsive and responsible bids including $2 million per occurrence for commercial general liability and $1 million for automobile liability naming the City of New Rochelle and Barton & Loguidice A performance security of 100% of the contract amount is required SPEC No 5790 – Quaker Ridge Road Concrete Pavement Rehab – Contract Documents – Final 5-2-25 a 477-unit 26-story mixed-use building at 12 Church St in New Rochelle has been opened by developer BRP Companies BRP estimated that the project would cost $291 million The plan called for 119 of the apartments in the building to be priced to be affordable to households earning between 50% and 80% of Area Median Income Market-rate units include a 509-square-feet studio at $2.433 per month a one-bedroom with 680 square feet at $2,947 per month and an 815-square-feet two-bedroom unit a $3,629 per month 218 one-bedroom units and 149 two-bedroom units Features include in-unit washers and dryers The building has a rooftop swimming pool and sky lounge a fitness center with a yoga studio and strength training room The building has approximately 3,000 square feet of retail and community space The community space will be programmed by the City of New Rochelle “The Leaf exemplifies our commitment to transformative community-driven development that delivers high-quality housing and vibrant amenity spaces to the communities we serve,” said Meredith Marshall co-founder and managing partner of BRP Companies we look forward to continuing to welcome residents to their new homes in the heart of New Rochelle and contributing to the city’s continued economic growth and revitalization.” BRP unveiled a 20-story mural on the façade of the property Partnering with Seven Willow Collaborative BRP commissioned local artist Na’ye Perez to create “From the Source,” which is positioned as a vibrant testament to the area’s rich culture and spirit Financing for the project was provided through a combination of sources including a construction loan backed by taxable and tax-exempt bonds issued by the New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) Housing Finance Agency with credit enhancement from the Urban Investment Group at Goldman Sachs Alternatives Additional funding was contributed by the Urban Investment Group at Goldman Sachs Alternatives with permanent financing secured through Merchants Capital Corp via the Fannie Mae MBS as Tax-Exempt Bond Collateral program Jeffries blames Newark airport chaos on Trump House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries blames the chaotic situation at Newark Liberty International.. Northwell’s Phelps Hospital and Northern Westchester Hospital have received the top patient.. 2025) — The City of New Rochelle has agreed to pay $250,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by the family of Jarrel Garris who was fatally shot by a city police detective in 2023 according to a proposed ordinance amending the city’s 2025 budget The payment will use funds appropriated fund balance The settlement resolves the case titled “Estate of Jarrel Garris Steven Conn,” filed in Westchester County Supreme Court under index number 71208/2024 The lawsuit stemmed from the death of Jarrel Garris a 37-year-old Black man killed by Detective Steven Conn on July 3 following a confrontation over an alleged theft of fruit from a local grocery store authorizes the payment to Garris’ family as part of the city’s 2025 budget adjustments The settlement comes after a 14-month investigation by the New York State Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation which concluded in September 2024 that Conn’s use of deadly force was legally justified because Garris had reached for an officer’s gun during a struggle No criminal charges were filed against Conn represented by attorney William Wagstaff III nonviolent situation and failed to use de-escalation tactics especially given Garris’ documented mental health struggles A toxicology report confirmed Garris had PCP in his system at the time of the incident The case sparked community protests and calls for police reform in New Rochelle with advocates criticizing the use of lethal force in response to a petty theft New Rochelle Police Commissioner Robert Gazzola stated that an internal investigation found no policy violations by the officers involved that would have prevented the outcome The department committed to reviewing recommendations for improved training on de-escalation and use-of-force policies Officer Involved Shooting in New Rochelle: Suspect Grabbed Officer’s Gun (7/3/2023) Latest on Officer-Involved Shooting in New Rochelle(7/7/2023) Jarrell Garris dies week after being shot by New Rochelle police (7/11/2023) Man Shot by New Rochelle Police Had a History of Reckless Behavior, Depraved Indifference to Human Life(7/11/2023) New Rochelle Citizens Heard on Police Shooting of Black Man by White Police Officer (7/12/2023) Latest Developments in Officer-Involved Shooting in New Rochelle (7/13/2023) Lohud: Jarrel Garris’ family seeks accountability in New Rochelle shooting (7/16/2023) NY AG: New York State Attorney General Releases Jerrell Garris Video (7/25/2023) WCBS-TV: Funeral held for Jarrell Garris, man killed in controversial New Rochelle Police shooting (7/29/2023) WCBS-TV: CBS New York investigates troubled final days of Jarrel Garris, killed by New Rochelle police (8/2/2023) Was Man Shot by New Rochelle Police Suffering from Drug-Induced Hyperthermia? (10/24/2023) New York Attorney General Clears New Rochelle Police Officer in Shooting Death of Jarrel Garris (9/18/2024) New NRPD Special Needs Registry Would Not Have Saved Jerrell Garris from Himself (9/29/2024) New Rochelle PD Finds No Officers Violated Policies or Procedures in Jarrel Garris Shooting (1/24/2025) New York AG Tish James Excluded Key Evidence from Report on New Rochelle Police Shooting (2/26/2025) Lead Up to New Rochelle Shooting: A Timeline of Events and Context Surrounding Jerrell Garris’ Death (2/28/2025) Jerrell Garris Shooting: Every Witness Statement is Consistent with New Rochelle Police Accounts (3/4/2025) On a sunny Thursday morning, a gaggle of seniors flooded onto the New Rochelle High School football field to celebrate National College Decision Day when students all over the Lower Hudson Valley celebrate the college or university they’ve chosen Some students took photos wearing shirts from their soon-to-be schools College Decision Day was about celebrating a unique path they’ll be taking come fall 2025 is heading to aeronautical school after he graduates having been interested in becoming a pilot since he was a kid “I always thought that flying planes was a really remarkable career,” Kelly said I wanted to fulfill my dreams of becoming a pilot and I went to an aviation exposition event at Westchester County Airport Kelly earned his private pilot license earlier this year He’s heading to Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida in the fall where he’ll major in aeronautical sciences and work toward his airline transport license which would allow him to pilot commercial and corporate flights and not a lot of people get the chance to do that,” Kelly said Another senior, Lauren Bryan, is heading to Cornell in the fall to pursue scientific research, but her journey has already started. She began doing research through the high school’s science research program and the past two summers, she worked with a mentor at New York State Psychiatric Institute. This helped her become one of 200 Rawlings Cornell Presidential Research Scholars a special research program that comes with an $8,000 stipend to support her work at Cornell “I felt like Cornell was the best choice for me because of their human development program,” Bryan said “It encompasses a lot of different aspects There are some classes you can take in neuroscience Emery Valentin has unique post-graduation plans Accepted into the Fashion Institute of Technology’s Footwear and Accessories Design bachelor of fine arts program in Manhattan Valentin will continue to hone the sneaker-designing skills he first began learning five years ago After his dad attended a sneaker-making class in Los Angeles the two began designing sneakers together — an artistic endeavor that can encompass anything from customizing an existing shoe to building one themselves “I really want to take advantage of FIT,” Valentin said “I really want to learn the process of making my own sneaker “There's great value in having something that's yours — your own design Another student, Savanna Lily DiFatta, is also pursuing artistic plans after high school. DiFatta, the daughter of local balloon artist Jenn DiFatta started her own business in January selling floral arrangements “I know for sure at this point in my life what I'm meant to do and it's not sit in a classroom,” DiFatta said After graduation, she wants to learn more about flowers and how to help her floral business, Savanna’s Lillies So she’s planning to take business classes at Westchester Community College starting in the fall in conjunction with classes at the Bronx Botanical Garden I always knew I wanted to be my own boss," DiFatta said I knew that entrepreneurship was a thing for me and I knew that I was always going to be creative and wanted to work with my hands The city of New Rochelle has seen a surge of new high-rise residential buildings in recent years Many wonder how many apartments are actually occupied a 29-story luxury downtown residence with a series of swanky amenities Encore began leasing apartments in December 2023 nearly all of the building’s 241 units had been leased “We are delighted by the overwhelming response Encore has received from people,” Cappelli said in an announcement Your New Ro: As development booms, New Rochelle is training locals for construction jobs and careers Located downtown at 325 Huguenot St., three blocks from the New Rochelle train station, Encore offers studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, with rents starting at $2,070. 10% of its residences are moderate-income housing units, meaning they're rented to individuals and families whose household income does not exceed 80% of the Westchester County Area Median Income Encore is one of several high-rise residential and mixed-use buildings that have been constructed in New Rochelle since the city committed to a 10-year redevelopment in 2015 to revitalize downtown New Rochelle has authorized more than 10,500 rental units and 500 condos in the last decade that will bring 15,000 to 20,000 new residents by the time developments are complete New Rochelle had already added 6,370 housing units (Encore included) 2.4 million square feet of office space and 1,200 hotel rooms Some of the new downtown developments are mixed-use buildings that combine residential and business space are high-rise luxury apartments with amenities like smart home technology At a mayors roundtable event in March, New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Herbert-Ramos said occupancy rates for luxury residences like Encore, The Standard and The Millenia were above 95% The city's median leased rate was 90.2% in 2024 The city has authorized many development projects outside of residences. The new Vanguard District dining and entertainment businesses in the area bounded by LeCount Place The city has a $100 million renovation planned for its train station that’ll make it more pedestrian-friendly and provide direct rail service to both Grand Central and Penn Station by 2027 The LINC is set to break ground later this year The project is supposed to transform the Lincoln Avenue Corridor into a massive community-oriented green space with plazas and bike lanes To learn more about New Rochelle's redevelopment plans, check out ideallynewrochelle.com/grow-here New Rochelle police are looking for three suspects after two people say they were confined in duct tape and held at gunpoint Monday Collins Coyne said police responded to a robbery in progress at a Pelham Road residence at around 2:50 a.m Coyne said officers attempted to pursue a White Ford F-150 Lightning that was witnessed fleeing the scene The victims told police that three suspects ambushed them and attempted to confine them using duct tape The New Rochelle Police Department is asking anyone with information regarding the robbery or possible suspects to call 914-654-2300 By: 8:00 am on April 9 New renderings have been revealed for Crossroads Centre, a proposed 28-story residential tower at 570 Main Street in New Rochelle Designed by Fogarty Finger and developed by Allstate Ventures the structure is planned to yield 547 rental units The building is also slated to include ground-floor retail space with two storefronts measuring 7,825 and 4,225 square feet The property is bound by Main Street to the northwest The renderings depict the building beginning with a five-story podium featuring a distinctive pleated façade with tan terracotta framing an irregular grid of windows with protruding frames the structure transitions to a single story enclosed in floor-to-ceiling glass The tower’s fenestration features a staggered grid of floor-to-ceiling windows in one- to two-story groupings The structure culminates in a flat roof parapet The below image offers a closer look at the base and its broadly pleated geometry the ground-floor retail frontage and its expansive windows and the new tree-lined sidewalks that will surround the property The main entrance will feature Crossroads Centre signage mounted atop a white rectangular canopy The property is currently occupied by a series of abutting low-rise commercial structures as seen in the following Google Street View image A demolition timetable for these buildings has yet to be announced Residential amenities at Crossroads Centre will include an outdoor swimming pool The 476 enclosed parking spots will include 276 valet spots on levels two through four The entrance to the garage will be located along Leroy Place The development is located in close proximity to the New Rochelle train station providing access to the Metro-North’s New Haven Line and Amtrak’s Northeast Regional line Plans for 570 Main Street have yet to be finalized Another monstrosity,So far a murder in one,car jackings at another.a couple of drug and weapons bust at others,Only the finest,while walking to train station you can step over the homeless and drunks and panhandlers,And shopping only the finest dollar stores.Bring your mace for protection,A once nice safe city turned into a slum a Black custodian employed by the City School District of New Rochelle since 1999 has filed a federal lawsuit alleging racial discrimination after being repeatedly denied promotions and a critical training opportunity District Court for the Southern District of New York who has worked as a night-shift custodian at Isaac E claims the school district favored less qualified non-Black candidates for Plant Supervisor positions in 2018 and 2020 Groves applied for two openings at New Rochelle High School and Albert Leonard Middle School but was passed over for Raymond Casher an outside hire with no school custodian experience Groves applied for another Plant Supervisor position at New Rochelle High School a white candidate with only 14 months of provisional experience despite Groves and Mills having over 60 years of combined permanent experience with the district told Groves he was a “strong second” but that it was “not his time.” Groves also alleges he was denied a plant management training course in 2019 which was offered by Watkins in his capacity as president of the National School Plant Management Association but Groves’ wife confirmed seats were available Watkins later said at a 2019 meeting that the training certificate was so important he might not consider applicants without it The lawsuit highlights a historical pattern noting the school district has not hired a Black person as Plant Supervisor in over 37 years with the only Black hire in that role dating back to that time who supervises five employees and has consistently received positive performance reviews with no disciplinary record he met with HR staff Joe Williams and Kareem Ali he contacted the New Rochelle NAACP chapter met with Acting District Superintendent Dr Alex Marrero within about one week to discuss Groves’ discrimination concerns Groves and Mills also met with the district’s attorney in December 2020 McLean reported that Marrero promised to call Groves but never did served as president of the New Rochelle NAACP branch for the past 5 year but recently stepped down. He is also a retired New Rochelle Fire Department lieutenant with over 33 years of service HR staff Ryan Reed and Kareem Ali praised Groves as a “model Custodian” but offered him a lateral transfer to another night custodian role at New Rochelle High School Groves called the offer a “slap in the face.” The lawsuit claims violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Sections 1981 and 1983 of federal civil rights laws alleging the school district discriminated against Groves based on race which found reasonable cause of discrimination leading to a right-to-sue letter from the Department of Justice Groves seeks a declaration that the school district violated federal and state laws enrollment in the next plant management training course a retroactive promotion or the next available Plant Supervisor position with interim front pay compensatory damages for emotional distress employs over 2,000 workers and operates seven elementary and early childhood facilities Its administrative offices are at 515 North Avenue the initial filing included the complaint and a civil cover sheet a summons was issued to the City School District of New Rochelle and individual defendants including Keith Watkins and other employees involved in the alleged discrimination the court issued an “Order of Automatic Referral to Mediation” under the Southern District of New York’s M-10-468 Second Amended Standing Order (signed by Judge Loretta A 2015) with mediation to be assigned by January 27 a “Notice of Mediator Assignment” was filed setting a mediation schedule deadline for February 13 A “First Mediation Conference” was scheduled for February 7 Judge Karas issued a “Calendar Notice” scheduling a status conference for April 1 The order required counsel to submit a proposed case management and discovery schedule via ECF by 5:00 p.m This suggests that the case is moving forward with litigation proceedings potentially indicating that mediation did not result in a settlement though no explicit confirmation is provided filed a letter motion requesting to adjourn the April 1 though the reason for the request was not specified in the docket entry there is no record of the court’s response to this motion or whether the conference was rescheduled the case has progressed through initial filings and the scheduling of a mediation conference but the outcome of mediation is not documented The case has since moved toward active litigation with a status conference scheduled and a subsequent request to adjourn it indicating ongoing proceedings as of the latest docket entries Offering a full calendar of programs for children Children’s programs take place at the main library and at the Huguenot Children’s Library located on North Avenue near New Rochelle High School The 138-seat Ossie Davis Theater offers live performances throughout the year and the first-floor art gallery has rotating exhibits featuring the work of local artists and local subject matter Programs and activities for toddlers and school-aged children include story times The main branch also has a dedicated children’s room programs include college prep and study help Adults can take advantage of international music and dance performances More: Explore unique programs, learn new skills at library programs around Westchester More: Explore the public libraries throughout Rockland County our photographers train their craft on what makes this place our place Check lohud.com every Friday to see where our photographer went for our newest lohud on location feature The discovery of a drug lab after a fire in a New Rochelle hotel room led detectives to a large stash of drugs and drug equipment in a storage unit in the city Following the arrest of Pedro Marte who was burned in the Sunday night fire at Marriott Residence Inn detectives executed a search warrant Tuesday There they found approximately 3 kilograms of cocaine "This discovery points to a sophisticated drug manufacturing and distribution operation linked to the suspect," Coyne said in a news release Marte is in custody of the Westchester Department of Correction and remains in stable condition being treated for burns to his foot The fire was contained to the 7th floor room where detectives found cocaine and evidence that the room was used to process crack cocaine Marte was so far charged in connection to the fire with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance reckless endangerment and fourth-degree arson But Coyne said he will likely face more serious charges including first-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance a felony punishable by up to life in prison 2025 at 1:15 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Faced with the seeming inevitability of another residential tower NY — As the skyline of the City of New Rochelle grows evermore impressive and stretches toward the heavens longtime residents left behind in the shadow of dozens of new high-rises are asking if the Queen City on the Sound is at risk of flying too close to the sun New York's sixth largest city embarked on an ambitious plan to both tackle a growing housing crisis and revitalize a struggling downtown business district A cornerstone of the so-called "New Rochelle Model" was cutting red tape when it comes to constructing new housing One need only glance at the city's skyline to see that the plan put in place years ago has New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert has held up the city's overhauling zoning codes as a shining example that other municipalities across New York and around the country might emulate with similar success which approve new zoning for buildings on a piecemeal basis the New Rochelle City Council created a blueprint to streamline the approval process forfeiting the power to debate each development individually and expediting the environmental review process for our downtown," Ramos-Herbert wrote in a recent op-ed in American City & County "Developers are still required to take the same steps as elsewhere allowing them to bypass bureaucratic red tape that often deters new projects." the support for this grand vision is beginning to crumble under the weight of nearly a decade of heavy construction that has had a similar effect on the disintegrating Main Street tarmac chants of "Enough is Enough!" echo through the newly created canyons of a rapidly sprouting downtown Drivers inching along in the evening rush hour honk in support and protesters begin their march while holding up signs that read "Green Space Now!!!" and "Stop The crowd has gathered to protest plans for a 28-story residential tower at Main Street and Centre Avenue New Rochelle police look on from a distance but the dozens gathered are focused rather than rowdy It would be easy to dismiss this large group of demonstrators as the typical dissent that accompanies change but the concerns expressed are not the NIMBY issues one might expect "It's been ten years of this," one of the grassroots organizers of the protest Where is all the business we were promised And the businesses that were here for years can't survive this kind of 'progress.'" If the protest on the streets of New Rochelle was orderly the New Rochelle Planning Board meeting the following night set to consider the proposal for the massive new project and the crowded room has the feel of a poetry slam There are good-natured jeers as the project's chief architect mistakenly refers to Main Street as a two-way street when discussing the traffic study for the proposed building As speaker after speaker comes forward to voice opposition to the newest downtown tower those who walk up to the kiosk are not speaking against the plans that were laid out nearly a decade ago they are questioning whether or not that vision is being realized in the way it was intended Promises of a flourishing retail sector have not materialized in the way that many expected The downtown amenities that the neighbors were promised have not yet arrived including an evident strain of resources and infrastructure said in a statement read to the planning board The disruption the building has done to our city has offset the rewards and benefits the city will reap in revenue There is zero concern for the people already here O'Leary said he would like to see evidence of the benefits of a decade of rampant development before yet another high-rise tower is approved "The redevelopment plan has been in place for nearly 10 years and it has not delivered on its promises to the citizens of downtown," Co-chair of "New Rochelle: Enough is Enough," Shaun Wayawotzki explained Wayawotzki said that he was initially very much in favor of plans to revitalize the downtown corridor but as high-rise after high-rise changed the cityscape promises of retail revitalization and plans for green space never materialized O'Leary warns that without the pivot his neighbors are pushing for the constituents the mayor and city council say they are championing by encouraging these sorts of development projects "What about our lives and our families?" O'Leary asked of the board My grandparents were married in Blessed Sacrament my great grandmother learned to swim in Hudson Park the board adjourned until the next meeting without approving the newest tower The Quixotian fight to stop a new residential tower (and perhaps the ones that come after) will take more than one show of solidarity at a planning board meeting Momentum is building among those who see a threat in what they view as development without a cogent plan but they will be fighting an uphill battle against two time-tested truths — you can't fight city hall Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. 2025) — A disturbing incident of racially derogatory graffiti discovered in a bathroom at Davis Elementary School has prompted a swift response from the City School District of New Rochelle with officials condemning the act as “unequivocally unacceptable.” contained part of a hate word historically used to demean and degrade the Black and African American community according to a statement from Superintendent Dr The incident has shaken the school community which prides itself on fostering an inclusive and respectful environment “We stand united in our condemnation of this hateful expression and any form of discrimination or intolerance,” Reynolds said in a letter to the district community and respectful environment we strive to cultivate.” School officials acted quickly to remove the graffiti and launched a full investigation in collaboration with school leadership Reynolds emphasized the district’s commitment to addressing the incident transparently and proactively noting that such acts of hate will not be tolerated “Our dedication to fostering understanding and acceptance is unwavering,” Reynolds said “Our core values demand that we create a school environment where every individual feels valued The superintendent called on the community to unite against hate and bigotry “One New Rochelle,” which celebrates its diversity as a strength Reynolds urged residents to engage in open constructive conversations to build a future rooted in mutual respect and solidarity When a group of five New Rochelle residents learned that a new building was to be developed at 570 Main St. a 28-floor high-rise planned right next door to their condo building at 25 Leroy Place was the latest in a string of high-rises planned for their neighborhood The group had grown tired of witnessing the rapid rise of skyscrapers in their neighborhood over the last 10 years The five formed a grassroots advocacy group called “NewRo: Enough Is Enough.” The group wants the city to stop building high-rises in downtown New Rochelle assess the impacts of the developments built so far and address the needs of current residents Rapid development in the city caused some New Rochelle residents to raise concerns back in 2023 about possible gentrification and the effects on the city's infrastructure the group NewRo: Enough Is Enough said they aren’t exactly anti-development After years of watching high-rise buildings being added to their neighborhood the organizers — all condo owners at 25 Leroy Place — said they became frustrated that some of the neighborhood’s other community and infrastructure needs were taking a back seat to high-rise developments When they learned about the high-rise-to-come at 570 Main St. “This new building is in our backyard," Enough Is Enough co-lead organizer Shaun Wayawotzki said but Enough Is Enough isn't just about this building.” "We realized that something is going wrong with the process," said Marian Whitaker the accelerated development process for the Downtown Overlay Zone has left community members without a voice "So we see this as a way of starting to challenge what was supposed to be a 10-year plan and try to get them to consider a moratorium on buildings.” The group started meeting in February to figure out what they could do to slow down the project at 570 Main St and communicate the concerns they and other community members have with the city "We need a moratorium now," said James Killoran "We need a community meeting and accountability We need process with the citizens in New Rochelle again.” the group talked to neighbors on the block of Centre Avenue that intersects with the corner where 570 Main St They spoke with people like the owners of the Hallen School for kids with special needs which would be across the street from the approximately 300-foot-wide high-rise whose current location would be demolished for the high-rise They created lawn signs with QR codes, placed near high-traffic areas like Stop & Shop. Organizers said their signs alone generated more than 300 sign-ups. Then they held a community rally on March 24, and attended the public hearing for the 570 Main St where the public comments session lasted two hours and gave the developers a laundry list of things to do before coming back,” Wayawotzki said “This is now the second time they've been delayed by our efforts New Rochelle development: What's in the works?Back in 2015, Noam Bramson, the city’s former mayor, released a 10-year redevelopment plan for the city economically thriving and culturally exciting downtown According to a statement from the city of New Rochelle the past decade has seen the authorization of more than 10,500 rental units and 500 condos which would bring in 15,000 to 20,000 new residents by the time developments are complete Normally, developments can take years to authorize. But through a special, fast-tracked system of housing and zoning policies the city streamlined the review and authorization processes for developments A Downtown Overlay Zone was set up to allow developers to gain approval of projects within 90 days As a result, the city has seen a rapid increase in downtown developments, even as Bramson left office at the end of 2023 and handed the reins to current Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert. As of December, New Rochelle had added 6,370 housing units Some developments are mixed-use buildings that combine residential and business space and offer at least some affordable housing. Others are high-rise luxury apartments — like The Standard, The Arc and The Millenia — which Herbert-Ramos said have occupancy rates above 95% The redevelopment plan also includes other major projects. The city’s new Vanguard District for instance — the area near Anderson Plaza North Avenue and Huguenot Street — is supposed to be a hub of retail Development will begin later this year for The LINC a project that’s meant to transform the Lincoln Avenue Corridor — the area that intersects with Interstate 95 — by adding bike lanes a 14,000-square-foot plaza and a green space more than eight acres large the LINC will reconnect New Rochelle’s Lincoln Avenue neighborhood to the city’s vibrant downtown and spur economic activity for the area," a statement from the city said The city has a $100M renovation planned for its train station New Rochelle plans to be the first city in Westchester County with direct rail service to both Grand Central and Penn Station by 2027 While Enough Is Enough organizers are tired of tall buildings redevelopment plans continue in downtown New Rochelle Mayor Ramos-Herbert said housing development projects bring in revenue for the city that are then reinvested to improve the city with things like parks dog parks and the kinds of community-oriented projects Enough Is Enough wants to see “Thanks to new housing development for both longtime residents and newcomers we've been able to reinvest $22 million in development revenue for initiatives that enhance quality of life across the city,” Ramos-Herbert said “from improvements to public spaces to financial support for small businesses and the preservation of the city's unique character through building beautification and mural installations.”  Redevelopment dollars have helped New Rochelle create public open spaces across the city or enhance existing ones Clinton Park and Highgarden Tower Plaza are spaces that came out of redevelopment revenue A new playground and dog park are expected to open downtown soon as well and redevelopment funds have helped the city install infrastructure improvements like electric vehicle charging parking spots The mayor said she’s committed to hearing residents’ concerns through the development process “As we work to build a community where everyone can thrive we recognize that progress often brings questions,” Ramos-Herbert said “That’s why we’re committed to open dialogue and making sure growth benefits everyone who calls New Rochelle home.” While the mayor said she's open to dialogue Enough Is Enough organizers said they've talked to many community members who are similarly tired of the focus on high-rises but are too defeated to do something about it "I know what happens if we do nothing; it's just going to continue.” By: 7:00 am on March 31 Allstate Ventures has announced that The Alary, a 28-story rental tower at 33 Westchester Place in New Rochelle is nearing completion with pre-leasing now underway It is the final phase of Westchester Place and joins The Arc and The Atelier in completing this mixed-use district a fitness center with private training rooms Residents will also benefit from concierge services and a dedicated mobile app for maintenance and amenity management Transit nearby The Alary includes the New Rochelle Metro-North station offering direct access to Midtown Manhattan Close proximity to I95 is the only perk that I can find A New Rochelle man was charged with arson after a car caught fire and exploded in the city Tuesday Collins Coyne said police responded to multiple 9-1-1 calls about two parked vehicles on fire behind a CVS Pharmacy on Lawton Street around 7:15 p.m New Rochelle Fire Department determined that the cause seemed suspicious in nature An investigation found that a dark-colored BMW SUV registered to Mark Turner Coyne said the flames from Turner's vehicle spread to an adjacent SUV Coyne said witnesses to the incident reported seeing a man dressed in all black near the scene before the fire started moving between the BMW and a nearby trash can multiple times before smoke began emerging from the vehicle Turner then allegedly walked northbound on Lawton Street and calmly left the scene before the BMW caught fire Coyne said Turner was found shortly after the incident and admitted to being the owner of the BMW He was taken into custody and charged with third-degree arson and second-degree criminal mischief Police have not yet found a motive for the incident and an investigation remains ongoing Anyone with information regarding the car fires is asked to call the New Rochelle Police Department at 914-654-2300 Finding a nook of Westchester County to build in has historically been both difficult and lucrative from which many residents commute into New York City has opened parts of itself up to developers in recent years some are becoming skeptical of adding too much to the pipeline investors and brokers said at Bisnow’s Westchester State of the Market event there are thousands of units coming online The uncertainty is very hard to underwrite.” Since late 2021, 12,500 new residential units have come to the market throughout Westchester County. Another 15,000 are being built, according to a 2024 report by RM Friedland. The vast majority of that development — approximately 9,400 units delivered and 13,000 under construction — are in the four largest cities in the county: New Rochelle, White Plains, Yonkers and Mount Vernon “There are more four and five-star units in White Plains that were absorbed in the last five years than existed in 2018,” Webster Bank Senior Managing Director Michael Vitale said A decade ago, New Rochelle, which is just 20 miles north of Manhattan, approved a zoning plan that permitted construction of up to 12M SF of new development From 2017 through 2021, New Rochelle added housing at more than double the rate of the U.S., according to research by The Pew Charitable Trusts whereas the rest of the country experienced a 31% increase You would have thought we were burning down the city.”  “A lot of groups that bought before that supply was finished lost money,” Simonelli said inflation has helped slow the pipeline and limit oversupply “This is probably the first time I'm going to say the rising interest rates were good in my business,” Simonelli said who primarily develops in New Jersey but has recently expanded to Westchester argued that undersupply in New York City will drive more demand to its northern suburb “I go and develop where I think there are strong fundamentals,” Hodara said onstage “There is demand in the whole Westchester area.” saying that other areas of the country are both easier to build in and have more interest both from residents and lenders “We do sometimes tell ourselves stories about ourselves that aren't helpful We have to be honest and also aware of what's happening around the country,” Gertman said ‘Where would you want to invest as a multifamily developer for the next 10 years?’ 9.9 out of 10 people would not choose this region.” Other parts of Westchester County remain adamantly opposed to new development housing supply is aging and what exists doesn't service the current needs of residents “There's a lot of red tape because there's a lot of municipalities on top of each other,” Vitale said You are subscribed to the Bisnow New York Newsletter or click here to copy link to clipboard We will email you a link to reset your password Upcoming regulations in the European Union require us to show this pop-up and ask you to agree to keep using Bisnow.com We want to take 15 seconds to tell you what's going on: has attracted $2 billion in development and seen its population grow over 7% in five years a project to remake its iconic train station aims to bring further benefits New Rochelle, New York, is redesigning its 19th-century train station as part of an ambitious downtown revitalization plan with a growing population of some 86,000 people in 2025 wants to use the $125 million project to reconnect the train station to its downtown area improve access for pedestrians and complement transit-oriented development said New Rochelle Development Commissioner Adam Salgado Many Amtrak trains heading from New York City to Boston make this station their first stop Metro-North commuter trains from New Rochelle reach Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan in less than 40 minutes and countywide bus routes also serve the station The construction of Interstate 95 and Memorial Highway in the 1950s essentially walled off the station to pedestrians and erected a barrier between the station and other areas of the city “What we're contemplating now is reimagining that connection from the train station to the rest of the city and vice versa,” he said “We expect the first shovel in the ground to be in 2026,” he said The design includes an accessible green plaza and improvements that will separate bike lanes The city has applied for a $32.5 million grant from the U.S Department of Transportation to support the project It is also working with Toll Brothers in a public-private partnership to build a new 28-story mixed-use residential and commercial building adjacent to the station 11,000 new housing units have been approved for construction in the community That includes 6,200 units either built or under construction Asked about the risk of gentrification displacing current residents Salgado said there were “very few residents in the downtown proper.” He added that unlike in many communities “So we think the additional supply coming online in places like New Rochelle is actually having downward pressure on the cost of housing here,” he said Revitalizing the train station will help prepare it for additional use expected from the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s plan to route some Metro-North New Haven Line trains to Penn Station along the existing Amtrak line through the Bronx the project could almost double the number of passengers using the station each day It will also allow medical and support staff who work at related hospital campuses in New Rochelle and the Bronx to more easily move back and forth and perhaps choose to live in New Rochelle “We think it opens up a whole new resident base to New Rochelle,” he said The project will transform a six-lane road into a local street and linear park Pedestrian crossings and bike lanes will help connect the neighborhood to the train station Salgado said the “LINC” project will help spur economic development in the neighborhood A goal of the project is to help African American residents “achieve intergenerational wealth through affordable homeownership opportunities as well as business entrepreneurship programs to stimulate the creation of Black-owned businesses in the area,” he said Since 2015, New Rochelle has attracted over $2 billion in privately-funded development no one really knew what to do,” Salgado said let's unlock the market.” The city created a flexible analytical framework to expedite approvals for development projects “That's been the big feature of our downtown development and what's made us so successful,” Salgado said Get the free daily newsletter read by industry experts can now sign up to be one of the first riders of Uber’s autonomous vehicles when they become available in the city in March Production is set to begin in the new year at a small scale the company plans to manufacture 650 air taxis each year.  Subscribe to the Smart Cities Dive free daily newsletter Subscribe to Smart Cities Dive for top news Want to share a company announcement with your peers The free newsletter covering the top industry headlines The inside presence of Malik Gasper was too much to overcome for Corning in a 64-51 loss to New Rochelle on Wednesday in a New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class AAA boys sub-regional at Yorktown High School scored 30 points and grabbed 15 rebounds as the Section 1 champion Huguenots pulled away after Corning cut a seven-point halftime deficit to two late in the third quarter For Elmira-Corning region hoops fans, Gasper might be a familiar name. He scored 14 points to help New Rochelle to a win in the National Division championship game of Elmira's Josh Palmer Fund Clarion Classic in December of 2023 "We were really proud of how they competed," Corning coach Mike Johnston Jr but I think if we could have knocked some shots down it might have been the difference in the game He netted the first five points of the fourth quarter to give New Rochelle a 49-38 advantage The Hawks closed within 40-38 before New Rochelle went on a 9-0 run from the end of the third quarter until early in the fourth Bryce Seward added 11 points for New Rochelle Nolyn Proudfoot led Corning with 20 points to go with 8 rebounds His 3-pointer with 4:20 left got Corning within 53-46 but Gasper responded with a pair of buckets during a 6-0 New Rochelle spurt Kyler Stevenson contributed 12 points and 6 rebounds for the Hawks The Hawks went 7-for-27 from 3-point range but we're not having to run around to trap so much if we would have made a couple threes," Johnston said layups that could have kept the game close." Corning finished 18-4 after rallying for a 72-69 overtime victory over Elmira in Saturday's Section 4 Class AAA final "The beauty of it was we had three seniors that were great leaders," Johnston said "The younger kids gained some valuable experience playing at this level It's got to make them hungry in the offseason "What we love about this group is that they play other sports but they love basketball and we have a group of kids that play a lot of basketball." More: Albertus Magnus stops Elmira's season in NYSPHSAA Class AAA girls basketball sub-regional New Rochelle (19-5) will play Section 9 champion Newburgh Free Academy (12-7) in the regional final/state quarterfinal at 5 p.m New Rochelle is once again teaming up with Volunteer New York to host park cleanups at 13 locations across the city this weekend Community members ages 5 and older can volunteer on Saturday including options at Ruby Dee Park Library Green "This event is a perfect example of how volunteerism betters our neighborhoods and brings people together to create tangible impact,” Suzanne Tillman interim executive director of Volunteer New York said in an announcement of the annual Parks Clean-up Weekend event “By rolling up our sleeves and working side by side,” she added “we are not only beautifying local parks but also fostering a spirit of service that has defined our mission.” Interested participants can sign up online for a park cleanup at volunteernewyork.org/newrochelle This year is New Rochelle’s 9th Annual Parks Clean-up Weekend in partnership with Volunteer New York Clean-Up Weekend will focus on litter removal trail and beach cleanup and spring beautification projects corporate partnerships manager for Volunteer New York! activities like painting benches and fences gardening and other large projects are needed in addition to parks’ routine maintenance to help keep New Rochelle’s parks clean It’s also about fostering community ownership and collaboration “That's a big part of it as well,” Fuirst said while explaining the purpose behind Clean-Up Weekend relishes returning to the Maplewood Park Clean-Up every year because of how much the neighborhood “loves to work together.” “It's great to open up that opportunity to people in other communities to be able to do the same,” Fuirst said Last year’s Clean-Up Weekend brought in 215 participants who volunteered approximately 639 hours picking up trash and debris cleaning safety surfaces at playgrounds and completing dozens of other projects Where: 13 locations in New Rochelle. See volunteernewyork.org/newrochelle for the full list of participating parks Volunteer opportunities are available to New Rochelle community members 5 years old and older An adult must accompany volunteers between 5 and 16 years old Huguenot and Pinebrook — are at capacity for volunteers The other parks are still actively seeking help from community members Police investigating a fire in a hotel room in New Roc City discovered a clandestine drug lab that likely sparked the blaze The fire broke out in a 7th-floor room of the Marriott Residence Inn shortly after 9 pm Sunday City firefighters who responded alerted detectives to the suspicious nature of the fire The hotel's fire-suppression system contained the fire to the room but caused extensive flooding on the 7th floor Detectives found cocaine in the room and evidence that the drugs were being processed into crack cocaine The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation They learned that an occupant of the room was in a hospital in Queens was taken into custody and remains hospitalized in stable condition Coyne said he expects Marte to face charges related to the drug possession and operation of the drug lab Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the police non-emergency line at (914) 654-2300 or anonymously at 914-632-COPS 2025) — A 21-year-old New Rochelle resident was shot in the arm on Main Street late Friday night prompting an ongoing investigation by the New Rochelle Police Department police received a report of a male shot near 360 Main Street The caller suggested the victim may have fled into a residence at 361 Main Street Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital reported a gunshot victim had walked into their emergency room The victim sustained a single gunshot wound that passed through both his left and right forearms An anonymous citizen told authorities the victim was shot while parked in his vehicle in front of 345 Main Street Responding officers found a 2020 BMW 4-door sedan with a bullet hole in the driver’s side window and a spent 9mm shell casing on the nearby sidewalk “The investigation remains ongoing,” said Captain J Collins Coyne of the New Rochelle Police Department and both the vehicle and blood-related crime scenes have been processed for evidence was treated at Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital and released Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the New Rochelle Police Department at (914) 654-2300 or anonymously at (914) 632-COPS “The New Rochelle Police Department is dedicated to ensuring the safety of our community and appreciates the public’s cooperation in this matter,” Coyne added and saw rents rise just 7% from 2017 to 2023—at a time when rents rose 31% in the U.S This interview with former Mayor Bramson has been edited for length and clarity A: New Rochelle’s downtown experienced great economic success in the first half of the 20th century which was a matter of great concern to many residents and city leaders So the desire to attract housing was initially based on an interest in revitalizing the business core A: I don't think it was ever framed quite in those terms by any individual or organization We were certainly aware that the New York metropolitan area had a housing shortage And we knew that by virtue of our significant transit assets New Rochelle was a promising location for transit-oriented development and environmental goals that made housing in New Rochelle attractive A: Growth and economic development are almost always contentious subjects in every community There's a certain percentage of our population that just was basically not on board with our vision; other concerns were more detailed Whether that’s based on broader support or simply resignation on the part of opponents is hard to gauge But there’s now a reality that downtown has changed and is changing A: We were working with 300+ acres for redevelopment and we adopted a five-part comprehensive framework in late 2015 with several essential components The first part was a “form-based” zoning code meaning it was prescriptive about design but not use which governed the entire redevelopment site limited the size and look of buildings but allowed a wide range of residence types and commercial activities we completed a generic environmental review for our entire buildout plan which greatly reduced the risks and upfront costs associated with having to do an environmental analysis for every single project within the redevelopment area we concluded a master agreement that gave a single developer an exclusive opportunity to build on several publicly owned sites we adopted a set of financial incentives that were calibrated to make New Rochelle as competitive as possible to investors and also assured our residents that development would come at a net positive for taxpayers we undertook a comprehensive analysis of the impact of development on our services We recognize that environmental review is a necessary and legitimate part of any significant change But we also were aware both that environmental reviews are costly—which has often been a deterrent for developers particularly in markets like ours that have historically seen limited private investment—and that these reviews are used simply to block new housing So our process was designed to address these concerns Once the overall environmental review was processed through the state’s Environmental Quality Review Act the individual projects that fit our vision only needed a much less cumbersome environmental assessment that didn’t require City Council approval or any of the other politically oriented steps that can drag out or imperil a project This was instrumental in changing that risk-reward calculus in a positive way A: It’s still a work in progress; of the new housing that has been approved only between a sixth and a fifth has been completed and fully occupied But it’s already having a positive stimulus effect and coffee shops have come in as a consequence of the new housing So while the principal effects of the new housing are yet to come The increase in public revenue from the properties where new development is located has been dramatic That's true during the 20-year pilot period which we’re in now and in which a partial property tax abatement is in place and it’ll be even more true when the pilot period concludes and these properties move to full taxes We’re already seeing other fiscal benefits one-time contributions for capital and infrastructure needs and sales tax generated by new population and economic activity in the downtown There's no question that taxpayers are benefiting significantly from new development and will benefit even more in the years ahead A: I would say that property taxes are stabilized and coming in below the state property tax cap And we’ve been able to make unprecedented investments in parks and open space; in water such as replacing old pipes; as well as day-to-day services like schools and public safety which are more robust and better funded than they have been for most of New Rochelle’s modern history A: There were certainly concerns about traffic and parking As part of the environmental review process the developers were required to either preserve or replace parking to the city’s satisfaction And keep in mind that part of our goal was to create a downtown that is less car-dependent; in fact car ownership will actually be undesirable And so we're creating a living space in which one can walk to goods and services and use mass transit to access the entire New York metropolitan area The idea is that even as growth creates upward pressure on traffic the nature of this growth creates a compensating downward pressure on traffic A: Investments in water and sewer infrastructure would have been required to modernize aging lines even without new development but the anticipated growth added urgency to the work is far exceeded by new revenue generated from development And with respect to stormwater and flooding given that all or almost all of the new development is occurring on previously impermeable surfaces the city and school district undertook a joint analysis of school impacts We came up with a formula for how many new students we might expect based on our experience with prior projects We looked at physical capacity issues and individual school buildings to identify potential tipping points that might necessitate school construction or expansion All of that fed into what’s called “the fair share mitigation formula,” which is the one-time contribution to the city that each development pays So it’s income to the city and school district that’s separate from the annual income derived by pilots [i.e. “payments in lieu of taxes”] or property taxes the number of new students as a result of the new apartments has been much lower than you would find in a comparable number of single-family or two-family homes And because of unrelated demographic trends overall enrollment in the school district has actually been edging down—despite the growth downtown because that statistic is based on thousands of individual choices which may have a whole range of motivations I don't know that I can attribute our holding on to Black residents as primarily a function of housing policy making sure that there’s a spectrum of housing opportunities that work for everyone is helpful in making sure that our community remains demographically and socioeconomically diverse A: I think it’s instructive that since the early 1990s the candidate for New Rochelle mayor who has been perceived as more pro-development has won every election But if you were to only observe public hearings and social media posts you’d have a very different expectation I think the majority of people in New Rochelle—not everybody but the majority—are supportive of the direction that the city government has taken and want to see a downtown that’s successful and vibrant and attractive but the sort of basic structure—environmental review master developer if necessary—is a model that could be introduced in almost any community that is desirous of well-planned growth And the fact that we've been able to move from a community that was widely perceived as underperforming with respect to economic activity to now being the fastest-growing city in New York State is a testament to the power of our model and to the outstanding teamwork that made it possible A national housing shortage has driven up rents leaving a record share of Americans spending more than 30% of their income on rent and making them what is known as rent-burdened But in four jurisdictions—Minneapolis; New Rochelle Virginia—new zoning rules to allow more housing have helped curtail rent growth saving tenants thousands of dollars annually The Pew Charitable Trusts uses data to make a difference Pew addresses the challenges of a changing world by illuminating issues and advancing ambitious projects that lead to tangible progress 2025 at 10:59 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A fire at a New Roc City hotel pulled the curtain back on extremely dangerous activities NY — A fire at a Westchester County hotel led to the discovery of an illicit drug lab in a hotel room at the request of the New Rochelle Fire Department to a report of a suspicious fire at the Marriott Residence Inn at New Roc City Police discovered that the hotel's fire suppression system had activated successfully controlling a blaze originating in a room on the 7th floor the activation of the system resulted in significant flooding across the entire floor officers found evidence inside the room indicating the presence of a clandestine drug laboratory Among the items recovered were quantities of cocaine along with materials consistent with the processing of cocaine into crack cocaine Detectives soon developed leads that led them to a hospital in Queens where they located a suspect receiving treatment for burns sustained during the incident He was transferred to another medical facility where he remains in stable condition under medical care The 47-year-old New York City man is under arrest and being held in custody at a New York City hospital he will be booked on charges related to the operation of the drug lab and possession of controlled substances Police said charges pending against Marte include two felony counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance felony reckless endangerment and criminal mischief It is believed the fire was likely sparked by drug manufacturing in the hotel room though the exact cause remains under investigation The New Rochelle Police Department is encouraging anyone with information about the case to contact detectives through the non-emergency line at 914-654-2300 or anonymously at 914-632-COPS 2025) — A 26-year-old man was arrested Monday after confessing to slashing a 34-year-old man’s face in a violent altercation at 117 Guion Place and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon following the incident reported at 6:52 p.m Police responded to Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital sought treatment for a severe laceration extending from near his ear to near his mouth The victim was uncooperative and declined to provide details about the incident or confirm its location MTA Police at Grand Central Station contacted New Rochelle dispatch reporting that Frazier had approached them and admitted to the slashing surrendering the pocket knife used in the attack Detectives found blood evidence on the sidewalk at 117 Guion Place Investigators determined that Frazier and the victim were acquainted and had engaged in a heated verbal argument before the assault Frazier allegedly slashed the victim’s face and fled to Grand Central Station “New Rochelle Police Department continues to investigate this incident and encourages anyone with additional information to contact the department at (914) 654-2300 or anonymously at (914) 632-COPS,” the department stated emphasizing its commitment to community safety Motorists traveling through New Rochelle and on a nearby portion of Interstate 95 will need to seek an alternate route over the next few weeks as crews begin work to dismantle the North Avenue Bridge on March 12 Work to dismantle the bridge will require overnight lane closures and traffic stops on I-95 and North Avenue, the New York State Thruway Authority said The work is anticipated to last for about three weeks "Two out of three lanes in each direction on I-95 will be closed on weeknights, starting as early as 10 p.m. with full reopening by 5 a.m.," the Thruway Authority said. New Rochelle police will direct motorists on North Avenue from 10 p.m Motorists are encouraged to allow themselves extra time in light of anticipated delays and detours the following traffic pattern changes have been in place since 2023: North Avenue Bridge has history of impact damageThe existing North Avenue Bridge has been in use since 1958 Its lower vertical clearance has contributed to a history of impact damage The $31.8 million replacement project "is necessary to address structural and operational needs," the authority's website reads "Along with enhancing safety and improving mobility for motorists as well as pedestrians at this critical intersection." About 20,000 vehicles use the North Avenue Bridge every day